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From Bench Creek Brewing out of very rural Alberta (Yellowhead Country) near Edson comes their “Drexl Blackstrap Imperial Stout”. The beer pours an opaque black colour with a brown head. The aroma consists of roasted malts, smoke, molasses and anise. The flavour is of roasted malts, smoke, molasses, anise, toffee, sweetness, resin and bitterness. The alcohol content comes in at 11% with an IBU of 80. I have been a fan of Bench Creek Brewing for some time and this beer does not change that opinion at all. This is a well made Imperial Stout.

Commercial Description: Y’know what we got here?Charlie Bronson. Mr. Majestyk.Rich biscuity UK base malt and multiple caramel malts for layered toffee and dark fruit flavours got you thinkin’ it’s pretty… But it’s not as pretty as a variety of roasted malts which provide chocolate and coffee depth. In fact, we’re gonna show you with a little demonstration. Now, see, we’re sittin’ down here, ready to negotiate, and you’ve already given up. It’s still a mystery to you.But we know it’s got generous additions of blackstrap molasses and star anise. All right, peep this: it’s aged on American oak to fully mimic the flavours and aromas of blackstrap rum. Ey’ yo, yo why you trippin’?

From the Dandy Brewing Company in Calgary Alberta comes their “The Jungle Bird Tropical Dark Sour”. The beer pours a deep brown colour with a brown head. The aroma consists of big tropical fruits, tartness and some roasted malts. The flavour is of tropical fruit, pineapple, citrus, tartness, roasted malts, caramel and brown sugar. The alcohol content comes in at 5%. This was not your typical sour ale and takes its inspiration from Tiki cocktails from my understanding. While I don’t drink cocktails I can say that this was really enjoyable.

Commercial Description: An homage to the classic Tiki cocktail. This beer has notes of demerara sugar, bitter lime, tropical pineapple coming together for a refreshing sour that is like no other.

From Last Best Brewing & Distilling in Calgary Alberta comes their second ever bottled beer the “A.E. Cross Barley Wine Barrel Aged” the second of their Lineage Series. This is a 2016 Vintage and has been cellared by the brewery itself until 2018. The beer pours a deep orange brown colour with an off white head. For the second release they split the beer into two versions one unoaked and then this one that was barrel aged for 10 Months in Alberta Rye Whiskey Barrels. The aroma consists of mild oak, dark fruits, stone fruit, brown sugar, caramel, toffee and rye. The flavour is of oak, dark fruits, cherry, toffee, caramel, grapefruit rind, honey, resin, rye spice, rye whiskey, bitterness and alcohol. The alcohol content comes in at 11.8% with an IBU of 45. This is a borderline American Barelywine and really enjoyable. I hope they make more of this in the future.

Commercial Description: With our 2nd lineage release, we pay homage to a prairie legend with our riff on a classic style. The Alfred Ernest Goss Barley Wine uses locally sourced barley wheat, and rye as a fitting tribute to the founder of Calgary Brewing & Malting and the embodiment of the Last Best West. We split this release into two: one unoaked and one aged for 10 months in 100% Alberta rye whiskey barrels Layered with subtle, integrated oak and a developing rye spiciness, this beer is characterized by its sweet caramel and barley malt base alcohol warmth, hints of dark fruit and a touch of light malted wheat Serve it at cellar temperature and age for years to come.

From the Dandy Brewing Company in Calgary Alberta comes their “In the Bleak Midwinter: Black IPA”. The beer pours a deep brown with a light brown head. The aroma consist of roasted malts, smoke, mild fruit and herbal hops. The flavour is of caramel, roasted malts, citrus, tropical, earth, burnt coffee and medium bitterness. The alcohol content comes in at 6.5%. The Dandy Brewing Company makes really tasty beer and this black IPA is no different. It is both IPA and a bit stout and 100% tasty.

Commercial Description: A fruity Black IPA. With only a kiss of roast, this black IPA is fresh and juicy but dark as the coldest days of winter. Citra and Mosaic are late hop additions to avoid the biterness and focus on aroma.

From Outcast Brewing currently brewing out of Coulee Brew Co in Calgary Alberta comes their “Wannabe IPA” a Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale. The beer pours a golden colour with a white head and good lacing. The aroma consists of grapefruit, citrus rind, tropical fruit, floral hops and a hint of malt. The flavour is of grapefruit, tropical fruit, citrus rind, pine, mild caramel and some bitterness. The alcohol content comes in at 5.9% with an IBU of 40. This one basically tastes like a Session IPA and is quite interesting.

Commercial Description: Wannabe IPA is a pale ale that is heavily dry hopped twice with Galaxy and Mosaic Hops. Expect big aromas of tropical fruit and citrus with a slightly fruity and subtle, dry bitter finish. It’s the pale ale that wants to be an IPA.